Controlling Sediment

ABSTRACT

Sediment control devices (SCDs) include an apertured threshold member and an apertured outflow member, and optionally a filter member between the threshold and outflow members. In some SCDs the outflow member has a smaller aperture size than the threshold member, or vice versa. In some SCDs, a filter is placed in front of the threshold member. In some SCDs, there is a substantially hollow sediment control chamber (SCC) between the threshold and outflow members; in others, there is little or no hollow space between the threshold and outflow members. The SCDs can be constructed so that they are resistant to damage by wheeled traffic. The SCDs can be used to control sediment in run-off from a construction site, as drain covers, or as retaining members for lawns or planting areas. A number of SCDs can be joined together to form assemblies which are useful for stabilizing a land mass, for example a gully or river bank.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/696,998, filed 5 Jul. 2005, by John H. McGinn and Vincent P. Morris.

This application is related to U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,848,866 (McGinn) and 7,008,144 (McGinn); U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/843,010 filed May 11, 2004, by John McGinn, 60/569,979 filed May 11, 2004, by John McGinn, 60/648,863, filed Jan. 31, 2005, by John McGinn and Vince P. Morris, 60/655,287 filed Feb. 22, 2005 by John McGinn and Vince P. Morris, 11/127,614 filed May 11, 2005, by John H. McGinn (publication number US-2006-0002773), and 11/333,825, filed Jan. 17, 2006, by John H. McGinn and Vince Morris; Canadian patent application No. 2,469,683, filed Jun. 3, 2004, by John McGinn; and International patent application No. PCT/US/042092, filed Dec. 16, 2004, by John McGinn and Richard Sherratt claiming priority from Ser. Nos. 10/843,010 and 10/742,076. The entire disclosure of each of those patents and applications is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The patents and applications referenced above describe sediment control devices (SCDs) and their use to collect sediment from liquids in which the sediment is suspended. The SCDs include threshold and outflow members having a plurality of relatively large apertures therethrough, and an outflow filter which lies between the threshold and outflow members and which has a plurality of relatively small apertures therethrough. The SCDs may also contain a threshold filter through which the liquid passes after it has passed through the threshold member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We have now discovered, in accordance with a first mode of the present invention, that the functions of the outflow filter and/or of the threshold filter, if present, can be supplemented or replaced by an outflow member and/or a threshold member having a selected aperture size. The threshold and/or outflow apertures can then provide a filtering action which modifies the effect of, or removes the need for, the outflow filter (and/or the threshold filter, if present). For example, if the sediment contains a high proportion of decomposed granite (which has a relatively large particle size) there may be no need for the SCD to contain any outflow or threshold filter. Similarly, if the sediment-bearing liquid entrains vegetable matter, e.g. grass, leafy material, branches and weeds, the vegetable matter can accumulate in front of the threshold member and form a filter member which supplements any filter(s) forming a structural part of the SCD and which can make such structural filters unnecessary.

We have also discovered, in accordance with a second mode of the present invention, that it can be advantageous to place a filter member in front of the threshold member (whether or not the SCD also contains an outflow filter and/or a threshold filter, and/or an outflow member and/or a threshold member having a selected aperture size as described above).

The first and second modes of the invention are particularly, but not exclusively, useful when the SCD is used to control the erosion of an existing mass of soil, sand or other sediment, e.g. to stabilize a gully, river bank or beach.

We have also discovered, in accordance with a third mode of the present invention, new and useful configurations for SCDs which comprise a threshold member and an outflow member, and optionally an outflow filter, and which have little or no hollow space between the threshold and outflow members.

We have also discovered, in accordance with a fourth mode of the present invention, alternative ways of securing an SCD at a desired location.

The third and fourth modes of the invention are particularly, but not exclusively, useful when the SCD is used to control run-off from a construction site or to prevent sediment from passing into a drain.

In a first preferred aspect, this invention provides a sediment control device (SCD) which is particularly, but not exclusively, useful in the first mode of the invention. The SCD has a longitudinal axis and comprises

-   -   (a) a first elongate member which comprises a plurality of         relatively large first apertures, each of the first apertures         having for example a first aperture area of 0.01 to 1.0 in.²         (6.5 to 650 mm²), preferably 0.02 to 0.25 in.² (13 to 160 mm²),         and     -   (b) a second elongate member which comprises a plurality of         relatively small second apertures, each of the second apertures         having a second aperture area which is substantially less than,         for example less than 0.45 times, e.g. 0.2 to 0.4 times, the         first aperture area; and         the SCD being such that, if a sediment-bearing stream is         directed at the SCD at right angles to the longitudinal axis,         the stream (i) passes through both the first member and the         second member, and (ii) does not pass through any other         apertured component which influences the collection of sediment         from the stream. In one embodiment, the first member is a         threshold member and second member is an outflow member. In         another embodiment, the first member is an outflow member and         the second member is a threshold member.

In the first preferred aspect of the invention, the first and second aperture areas are substantially different. This difference can result, for example, from the use of (i) different apertured sheet materials for the first and second members, and/or (ii) a second member which comprises two or more apertured sheets which are the same or different and which overlap so that the apertures in one sheet are offset from the apertures in another sheet, thus creating a composite sheet having an effective aperture size of the desired size.

In a second preferred aspect, this invention provides another SCD which is particularly, but not exclusively, useful in the first mode of the invention. The SCD

-   -   (1) comprises         -   (a) an elongate threshold member which comprises an             apertured sheet comprising a plurality of threshold             apertures, each threshold aperture having an area of 0.01 to             1.0 in.² (6.5 to 650 mm²), preferably 0.02 to 0.25 in.             (6.5 mm) (125 mm)² (13 to 160 mm²); and         -   (b) an elongate outflow member which comprises an apertured             sheet comprising a plurality of outflow apertures, each             outflow aperture having an area of 0.01 to 1.0 in.² (6.5 to             650 mm²), preferably 0.02 to 0.25 in. (6.5 mm) (125 mm)² (13             to 160 mm²); and     -   (2) does not contain, between the threshold and outflow members,         filter material having apertures having an area of less than         0.01 in.² (6.5 mm²), and optionally does not include any such         filter material.

In a third preferred aspect, this invention provides an SCD which is particularly, but not exclusively, useful in the second mode of the invention. The SCD comprises

-   -   (a) an elongate threshold member which comprises an apertured         sheet comprising a plurality of relatively large threshold         apertures, each threshold aperture for example having an area of         0.01 to 1.0 in.² (6.5 to 650 mm²), preferably 0.02 to 0.25 in.²         (13 to 160 mm²);     -   (b) an elongate outflow member which comprises an apertured         sheet comprising a plurality of relatively large outflow         apertures, each outflow aperture having for example an area of         0.01 to 1.0 in.² (6.5 to 650 mm²), preferably 0.02 to 0.25 in.²         (13 to 160 mm²); and     -   (c) an elongate exterior filter which         -   (i) comprises a plurality of relatively small filter             apertures, for example a filter member having a mesh size             (measured by ASTM E 11) of 80 to 600 micron, e.g. 100 to 500             micron, and         -   (ii) extends around at least part of the outside of the             threshold member (i.e. the side remote from the outflow             member) and/or extends around at least part of the outside             of the outflow member (i.e. the side of the outflow member             which is remote from the threshold member).

In a fourth preferred aspect, this invention provides an SCD which reflects the third mode of the invention and which comprises

-   -   (1) an elongate apertured threshold member,     -   (2) an elongate apertured outflow member which is positioned         adjacent to the threshold member with relatively little or no         hollow space between them (e.g. has an unobstructed volume         between the threshold member and the outflow member which is         less than 30%, or less than 20%, or less than 10%, or less than         5%, of the total volume of the SCD); and optionally     -   (3) an elongate outflow filter between the threshold and outflow         members; the SCD comprising     -   (a) a first substantially planar portion including at least a         first part of the threshold member and at least a first part of         the outflow member, and     -   (b) a second substantially planar portion;         the first and second portions lying in planes which are at an         angle of at most 90° to each other. The second planar portion         can comprise first and second elongate apertured members which         are adjacent to each other with little or no hollow space         between them, and optionally an elongate filter member between         them. The first and second members can be the same as, e.g.         extensions of, the threshold and outflow members. The second         portion can be a location member and/or a seat portion as         described below. The threshold and outflow members, and the         filter member if present, can be as described above in the first         and/or second preferred aspects of the invention.

In a fifth preferred aspect, this invention provides an assembly which reflects the fourth mode of the invention and which comprises

-   -   (1) an elongate channel, and     -   (2) an SCD which comprises         -   (a) a seat portion which fits into the channel, and         -   (b) a free portion which extends upwards from the channel             and comprises an elongate threshold member and an elongate             outflow member.             The SCD can be of any kind, for example an SCD as described             in one or more of the patents and patent applications             referred to above all of SCD in accordance with the first,             second, third, or for preferred aspect of the present             invention.

In one embodiment of the fifth preferred aspect of the invention, the channel is a channel in the ground, for example a channel created by pressing the SCD into the ground, optionally accompanied by reciprocal horizontal movement of the SCD. In this embodiment, the SCD can for example consist essentially of a threshold member, preferably a planar threshold member, and an outflow member, preferably a planar threshold member, and optionally a filter member between the threshold and outflow members, the threshold and outflow members being secured together so that there is little or no open space between them. The bottom edge of the SCD can for example have a jagged edge formed by cutting an apertured material which is part of the threshold member and/or the outflow member. This embodiment is particularly useful when the SCD serves as a curb or retaining member to define an area, e.g. a lawn or planting area, and prevents sediment for being washed into and/or out of the area.

In another embodiment of the fifth preferred aspect of the invention, the holder is a prefabricated holder which can be placed on the ground and which comprises

-   -   (a) a base, and     -   (b) a channel member which extends away from base and includes         the channel.         This embodiment is particularly useful, for example, when the         SCD may need to be removed from time to time, for example to         allow the passage of vehicles in.

The fifth preferred aspect of the invention also includes the prefabricated holders themselves, which are novel in their own right; and kits of parts including one or more prefabricated holders and one or more SCDs.

The prefabricated holder, which can for example be composed of polymeric and/or metallic material, preferably includes means for securing the holder to the ground, e.g. prongs, pins or the like extending downward from the base, or holes in the base through which nails, rods, stakes or the like can be driven into the ground. The channel and the SCD are shaped so that, when the base is on the ground, the seat portion of the SCD fits into the channel and the free portion of the SCD extends upwards so that it can collect sediment from liquid flowing along the ground. The seat portion can be a snug fit into the channel, and/or the seat and/or the channel member can include means (which may be releasable) for retaining the seat portion in the channel, e.g. deformable (preferably elastically deformable) protrusions from the channel walls and/or holes in the channels through which nails, rods, stakes or the like can be passed to engage the seat portion of the SCD.

In a sixth preferred aspect, this invention provides an assembly which comprises a plurality of SCDs according to one or more of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth preferred aspects of the invention.

In a seventh preferred aspect, this invention provides a method of stabilizing a land mass having an upper level and a lower level, the method comprising placing an assembly according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the SCDs being secured to each other side-by-side, adjacent to the land mass, with the longitudinal axes of the SCDs preferably being vertical. Depending on the particular land mass, there may be 10 or more, e.g. 12-60, SCDs assembled together, for example in a line which is 2-4 SCDs deep and 6-30 SCDs long. The SCDs can be stabilized by digging a trench into which the bases of the SCDs are placed, and/or by supporting members driven into the ground through or behind the SCDs, and/or by filling at least part of the SCDs with rocks, pebbles or soil. The SCDs can be of any cross-section, including, for example, rectangular, including square, and secured together in any way, for example by securing a location member of one SCD to the adjacent SCD.

In a preferred embodiment of the seventh preferred aspect of the invention, the land mass is a gully which comprises a base and opposing walls and through which water will pass from the upper level to the lower level, and the assembly is placed on the base of the gully and between the walls of the gully. The assembly of SCDs can be constructed so that there are side sections which are higher than an intermediate section. Optionally, the side sections are filled with soil to a level higher than the intermediate section. Preferably there is a splash apron underneath and downstream from the intermediate section. In this way, when there is too much water to pass through the assembly, the excess water is channeled through the lower section and dissipated on the splash apron. The splash apron can for example be composed of multiple layers of apertured material (for example the material used in the SCDs). At least some of the layers can extend under the assembly of SCDs, and the apron can be further stabilized by a perimeter of an SCD or other suitable material.

In an eighth preferred aspect, the invention provides a method of collecting sediment from a flowing stream, e.g. run-off from a construction site, or water flowing into a drain which is covered by the SCD, which comprises passing the stream through an SCD according to one or more of the first, second, third and fourth preferred aspects of the invention, or through an SCD forming part of an assembly according to the fifth preferred aspect of the invention.

In a ninth preferred aspect, the invention provides the inventions disclosed in U.S. Application Ser. Nos. 60/648,863 and 60/655,287, which were filed on Jan. 31, 2005, and Feb. 22, 2005 (i.e. more than 12 months before filing of this International Application) and in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/333,825, filed Jan. 17, 2006. Thus, in one aspect, this invention provides a sediment control device (SCD) which comprises

-   -   1) an elongate threshold member having a multiplicity of         relatively large threshold apertures therethrough;     -   2) an elongate outflow member having a multiplicity of         relatively large outflow apertures therethrough;     -   3) an elongate outflow filter which has a multiplicity of         relatively small filter apertures therethrough, and which         preferably is supported by the outflow member and     -   4) a location member;         the threshold, outflow and location members being secured         together so that, when the location member is placed on a         horizontal substrate, (a) an upright member comprising the         threshold member, the outflow filter and the outflow member         extends upwards from the substrate, and (b) liquid flowing over         the location member towards the upright member passes         successively through the threshold member, the outflow filter         and the outflow member, the SCD having at least one the         following characteristics (A) to (E).         (A) The upright member includes an elongate sediment collection         chamber (SCC) between the threshold and the outflow member, the         SCC having (i) a cross-section whose height (which is preferably         at least 4 in. (100 mm) (100 mm), for example 7-10 in. (18-250         mm), is p times its maximum width, where p is at least 1.5,         preferably at least 1.75, e.g. at least 4, for example 4-15, and         optionally (ii) an unobstructed volume which is at least 5% of         the total volume of the SCD.         (B) The shape of the threshold and outflow members is such that,         if (i) the location member is placed on a horizontal         substrate, (ii) the upright member is, if necessary, bent so its         highest point is vertically above the point at which the outflow         member contacts the substrate, and (iii) a vertical disc having         an outer diameter of 28 inches (203 mm) is rolled over the         substrate towards     -   (B1) the outflow member and at right angles thereto, without         passing over the location member,         -   (1) the first point of contact between the disc and the             outflow member is at a height of at least 4 in. (100 mm),             preferably at least 5 in. (125 mm), or at least 6 in. (150             mm), e.g. 5-12, or 5-10, inches (125, or 125-150, mm), above             the substrate, and         -   (2) the angle between (i) the horizontal and (ii) a line             joining said first point of contact and the closest point of             contact between the outflow member and the substrate, is at             least 77°, preferably at least 80°, more preferably at least             82°, for example 82-90°; or     -   (B2) over the location member towards the threshold member and         at right angles to the threshold member,         -   (1) the first point of contact between the disc and the             threshold member is at a height of at least 4 in. (100 mm),             preferably at least 5 in. (125 mm), or at least 6 in. (150             mm), e.g. 5-12, or 5-10, inches (125, or 125-150, mm), above             the location member, and         -   (2) the angle between (i) the horizontal and (ii) a line             joining said first point of contact and the closest point of             contact between the threshold member and the location             member, is at least 77°, preferably at least 80°, more             preferably at least 82°, for example 82-90°.             (C) The threshold member or the outflow member or each of             the threshold and outflow members includes a response line,             the term “response line” being used to denote a long thin             area which is either more responsive (a “bending line”) or             less responsive (a stiffening line) to bending forces than             the areas adjacent to the response line. A bending line can             for example have a reduced thickness, e.g. a minimum             thickness which is at most 0.8 times, preferably at most 0.6             times, e.g. 0.3 to 0.8 times or 0.4 to 0.7 times, the             maximum thickness of the remainder of member of which it is             a part. The bending line can for example have width of 0.08             to 0.75 in. (2 to 19 mm), preferably 0.12 to 0.35 in. (3 to             9 mm), e.g. about 0.25 in. (6.5 mm). In one embodiment, each             of the threshold and outflow members has a bending line near             its base, with the distance between the two bending lines             preferably being 0.3 to 4 in. (7.5 to 100 mm), the             particularly 0.5 to 3 in. (12.5 to 75 mm), e.g. about 1.5             in. (40 mm).             (D) The base of the threshold member has a reentrant             cross-section formed by (i) a first portion which extends             upwards away from the location member, (ii) a second portion             which extends over the location member, and (iii) a             reentrant angle between the first and second portions.             (E) The SCD is made by a method which comprises     -   (a) providing a precursor which comprises an apertured polymeric         sheet material which         -   (i) has relatively large apertures therethrough,         -   (ii) has first and second surfaces, and         -   (iii) has a first configuration;     -   (b) heating a selected area of the sheet so that polymeric         material in the selected area is at a temperature above its         softening point;     -   (c) while the polymeric material in the selected area is above         its softening point, bending the selected area so that the         precursor has a second configuration;     -   (d) allowing the heated polymeric material to cool while the         precursor is in a third configuration, the third configuration         being different from the first configuration and being the same         as or different from the second configuration;     -   (e) after step (D), bending the precursor so that it undergoes         elastic deformation into a fourth configuration in which chosen         parts of the precursor are in contact with each other.

In another aspect, this invention provides a precursor for an SCD which comprises

-   -   (a) an apertured polymeric sheet which         -   (i) has relatively large apertures therethrough, and         -   (ii) has first and second surfaces; and     -   (b) a sheet of filter material secured to the first surface of         the apertured polymeric sheet;         the apertured polymeric sheet including a bending line,         preferably an elongate bending line, in which the maximum         thickness is at most 0.8 times, preferably at most 0.6 times,         the maximum thickness of the remainder of the member.

In another aspect, this invention provides an SCD which comprises adjustable support members. The support members can for example be pulled or pushed upwards and/or downwards and/or sideways relative to the threshold and outflow members in order to secure the SCD in a desired position. The SCD can be of any kind, for example an SCD as described in one or more of the patents and patent applications referred to above or an SCD in accordance with the first, second, third, or fourth preferred aspect of the present invention. In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the SCD is a drain inlet cover as disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 11/127,614 (publication number US-2006-0002773), and the support members are spaced longitudinally along the SCD and can be pulled upwards from the vertical portion of the drain inlet cover, so that the supports rest against the pavement above the drain. This is particularly useful when the drain has a substantial length, for example greater than 3 feet (1 m) or greater than 6 feet (2 m).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are diagrammatic sketches and are not to scale, and in which

FIGS. 1-9 show SCDs of the invention,

FIGS. 10-12 show assemblies according to the fifth preferred aspect of the invention, and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an assembly of SCDs being used to control erosion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the Summary of the Invention above, the Detailed Description of the Invention, the Examples, and the claims below, and the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including for example components, ingredients, elements, devices, apparatus, systems, groups, ranges, method steps, test results, etc.) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, a particular embodiment, a particular claim, or a particular Figure, that feature can also be used, to the extent appropriate, in the context of other particular aspects, embodiments, claims and Figures, and in the invention generally. For example, the features (A) to (E) of the ninth preferred aspect of the invention can optionally be present in the other preferred aspects of the invention.

The invention disclosed and claimed herein includes embodiments not specifically described herein, and can for example make use of features which are not specifically described herein, but which provide functions which are the same, equivalent or similar to, features specifically disclosed herein.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that, in addition to the features specifically identified, other features are optionally present. For example, an SCD “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B and C can contain only components A, B and C, or can contain not only components A, B and C but also one or more other components. The term “consisting essentially of” and grammatical equivalents thereof is used herein to mean that, in addition to the features specifically identified, other features may be present which do not materially alter the claimed invention. The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1, and “at least 80%” means 80% or more than 80%. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number)”, this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, “from 8 to 20 carbon atoms” or “8-20 carbon atoms” means a range whose lower limit is 8 carbon atoms, and whose upper limit is 20 carbon atoms. The terms “plural”, “multiple”, “plurality” and “multiplicity” are used herein to denote two or more than two features.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can optionally include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility). Where reference is made herein to “first” and “second” features, this is generally done for identification purposes; unless the context requires otherwise, the first and second features can be the same or different, and reference to a first feature does not mean that a second feature is necessarily present (though it may be present). Where reference is made herein to “a” or “an” feature, this includes the possibility that there are two or more such features (except where the context excludes that possibility). Where reference is made herein to two or more features, this includes the possibility that the two or more features are replaced by a lesser number or greater number of features providing the same function (except where the context excludes that possibility). The numbers given herein should be construed with the latitude appropriate to their context and expression; for example, each number is subject to variation which depends on the accuracy with which it can be measured by methods conventionally used by those skilled in the art.

This specification incorporates by reference all documents referred to herein and all documents filed concurrently with this specification or filed previously in connection with this application, including but not limited to such documents which are open to public inspection with this specification.

The term “sediment” is used herein to denote solid particulate material, e.g. soil, sand, decomposed granite or pebbles, which can become suspended, or which is suspended, in a flowing stream of liquid, and which will settle out of the liquid when the liquid ceases to flow. The term “sediment control device” (often abbreviated herein to SCD) is used herein to denote an article which can be transported and placed (i) on top of a substrate, usually the ground, optionally with a part of the SCD being below the substrate, in order to collect sediment from a sediment-bearing stream of liquid, usually water, which passes through the SCD, or (ii) around an existing land mass composed of, for example, soil, sand, pebbles or rocks, in order to prevent or reduce removal of sediment from the land mass by water flowing towards, along, over or through the land mass. The term “land mass” is used herein to include, but is not limited to, a slope, a gully, a beach, or the bank of a body of water, e.g. a river or lake.

Where reference is made herein to apertured sheets, all the apertures in any particular sheet will generally be of the same size. If they are not, the aperture size referred to is the arithmetic average of the different sizes.

Except where the disclosure this specification is at variance with the disclosure in the patents and applications incorporated by reference herein, the disclosure in that patent and those applications is also applicable, mutatis mutandis, to the present invention. For example, the threshold and outflow members, and filter members if present, can be composed of the same materials as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,866 (in particular at column 4, line 37, to column 7, line 53); the SCDs can comprise a substantially hollow sediment collection chamber as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,866 (particularly at column 2, lines 6-28, and column 8, lines 55-67); the SCDs preferably include a location member, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,866 (in particular at column 9, lines 10-26); the SCDs can be manufactured as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,866 (in particular at column 10, lines 3-40); and two or more SCDs can be joined end-to-end or side-by-side by the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,866 (in particular at column 9, line 27, to column 10, line 2).

The SCDs described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,848,866 and 7,008,144; U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10/843,010 and 60/569,979 filed May 11, 2004; Canadian application No. 2,469,683; and International application No. PCT/US/042092 are “substantially hollow”, the term “substantially hollow” being used to mean that the SCD comprises a sediment control member (SCC) which has an unobstructed volume which is at least 50%, e.g. 50 to 98%, particularly at least 70%, e.g. 70 to 97%, for example at least 80%, e.g. 80 to 96%, of the total volume of the SCD. Some of the SCDs of the present invention, or used in the present invention, are substantially hollow. Other SCDs of the present invention, or used in the present invention, are not substantially hollow; for example, they can have relatively little or no space between the threshold and outflow members, for example as described above in the fourth preferred aspect of the invention.

The Drawings

Referring now to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar components, the Figures shows different SCDs containing threshold members 12, outflow members 11 and location members 4, each composed of apertured polymeric sheets (“netting”) as described above. Numeral 3 indicates weld lines between the polymeric materials. In FIGS. 1-5, a hollow sediment collection chamber 6 lies between the threshold and outflow members. FIG. 1 also includes an outflow filter 21 which extends over the location member 4, and the threshold member is composed of two apertured polymeric sheets 12 a and 12 b whose apertures are staggered so that the threshold member has a reduced effective aperture size. In FIG. 2, the outflow member is composed of two apertured polymeric sheets 11 a and 11 b whose apertures are staggered so that the threshold member has a reduced effective aperture size. FIG. 3 shows a very simple SCD which is particularly suitable for use in assemblies of SCDs for use in stabilizing existing land masses. FIG. 4 shows an SCD in which the outflow member is composed of two apertured polymeric sheets 11 a and 11 b and the threshold member is composed of two apertured polymeric sheets 12 a and 12 b. In either or both of the outflow member and the threshold member, the apertures of the polymeric sheets can optionally be staggered so as to provide a reduced effective aperture size. FIG. 5 is the same as FIG. 3, except that there is an external filter member secured to the front surface of the threshold member. FIGS. 6-9 show a variety of different SCDs according to the first aspect of the invention. In FIG. 6-8, an outflow filter 21 sandwiched between the threshold and outflow members. In FIG. 9, an outflow filter 21 is attached to the outflow member. In FIG. 9, the base of the threshold member 12 is secured to the location member by one or more releasable mechanical means, e.g. a clip or a polymeric groove in the location member into which the threshold member fits, so that the SCD can be interchange between the configuration shown and a relatively flat configuration achieved by disengaging the threshold member from the location. The SCD can be used in the configuration shown for collecting sediment, and in the relatively flat configuration for storage, transport, or to allow traffic to pass over the SCD without damaging it. FIGS. 10 and 11 show, in addition to the SCD, a retention member 30 which comprises a base member 32 and a channel member 31 into which is fitted seat member 19 of the SCD. The base member includes means 33 for securing the holder to the ground (spaced-apart prongs in FIG. 10, and spaced-apart holes, through which pins 331 have been driven, in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, channel member includes spaced-apart holes 34 through which pins 341 have been driven to secure the SCD to the holder. In FIG. 12, channel 31 has been formed in the ground by pressing the SCD into the ground, with a reciprocating motion. FIG. 13 shows a plurality of square or rectangular SCDs which have been formed into an assembly across a gully. The bottoms of the SCDs are embedded in the ground. The center section 50 of the assembly is lower than the side sections 51, 52. Below the center section, there is a splash apron 60. 

1-3. (canceled)
 4. A sediment control device (SCD) which comprises (1) an elongate apertured threshold member, (2) an elongate apertured outflow member which is positioned adjacent to the threshold member so that any a hollow space between them is less than 30% of the total volume of the SCD; the SCD comprising (a) a first substantially planar portion including at least a first part of the threshold member and at least a first part of the outflow member, and (b) a second substantially planar portion; the first and second portions lying in planes which are at an angle of at most 90° to each other, and each of the threshold and outflow members, which can be the same or different, having a multitude of apertures therethrough, each of the apertures having an area of 0.01 to 1.0 in.². 5-6. (canceled)
 7. An SCD according to claim 4 which further comprises (3) an elongate a filter member which (i) lies between the threshold member and the outflow member in the first substantially planar portion and (ii) has a mesh size of 80 to 600 micron.
 8. An SCD according to claim 7 which consists essentially of the threshold member, the outflow member and the filter member, and wherein (i) the first and second portions are coplanar, (ii) the second portion is a seat portion, and (iii) there is no hollow space between the threshold member and the outflow member.
 9. An SCD according to claim 7 wherein the first and second planar portions are at 90° to each other, the second portion is a location member, and there is a hollow space between the threshold member and the outflow member in the first planar portion, and any hollow space between the threshold member and the outflow member is less than 20% of the total volume of the SCD.
 10. An SCD according to claim 9 which consists essentially of the threshold member, the outflow member and the filter member, and wherein the hollow space is less than 10% of the total volume of the SCD.
 11. An assembly according to claim 7 wherein each of the threshold member and the outflow member is composed of a multiplicity of polymeric strands.
 12. An assembly according to claim 7 wherein the threshold member and the outflow member are different parts of a single piece of apertured polymeric material.
 13. An assembly which comprises (1) an elongate channel, and (2) a sediment control device (SCD) which comprises (a) a seat portion which fits into the channel, and (b) a free portion which extends upwards from the channel and which consists essentially of (i) an elongate planar threshold member, (ii) an elongate planar outflow member, and (iii)) an elongate filter member between the threshold and outflow members, the threshold and outflow members being secured together so that any hollow space between them is less than 30% of the total volume of the SCD, each of the threshold and outflow members, which can be the same or different, having a multitude of apertures therethrough, each of the apertures having an area of 0.01 to 1.0 in.², and the filter member having a mesh size of 80 to 600 micron.
 14. An assembly according to claim 13 wherein the channel is a channel in the ground.
 15. An assembly according to claim 13 wherein there is substantially no hollow space between the threshold member and the outflow member.
 16. An assembly according to claim 13 wherein the SCD has a jagged bottom edge.
 17. An assembly according to claim 13 wherein each of the threshold member and the outflow member is composed of a multiplicity of polymeric strands.
 18. An assembly according to claim 13 wherein the threshold member and the outflow member are different parts of a single piece of apertured polymeric material.
 19. A method of retarding the transfer of sediment across a boundary of an area of ground, the method comprising placing a sediment control device (SCD) in a channel in the ground at the boundary, the SCD consisting essentially of (1) an elongate planar threshold member, (2) an elongate planar outflow member, and (3) an elongate filter member between the threshold and outflow members, the threshold and outflow members being secured together so that there is little or no hollow space between them, each of the threshold and outflow members, which can be the same or different, having a plurality of apertures therethrough, each of the apertures having an area of 0.01 to 1.0 in.², and the filter member having a mesh size of 80 to 600 micron.
 20. A method according to claim 19 wherein the SCD has a jagged bottom edge.
 21. A method according to claim 19 wherein there is substantially no hollow space between the threshold member and the outflow member.
 22. A method according to claim 19 wherein each of the threshold member and the outflow member is composed of a multiplicity of polymeric strands.
 23. A method according to claim 22 wherein the threshold member and the outflow member are different parts of a single piece of apertured polymeric material.
 24. A sediment control device (SCD) which has a longitudinal axis and which comprises (a) a first elongate member which comprises a plurality of first apertures, each of the first apertures having a first aperture area of 0.01 to 1.0 in.², and (b) a second elongate member which comprises a plurality of second apertures, each of the second apertures having a second aperture area which is substantially less than 0.45 times the first aperture area; and the first and second members being arranged so that a sediment-bearing stream directed at the SCD at right angles to the longitudinal axis passes through both the first member and the second member, and the SCD being substantially free of other apertured components which will influence the collection of sediment from a sediment-bearing stream directed at the SCD.
 25. A sediment control device (SCD) which (1) comprises (a) an elongate threshold member which comprises an apertured sheet comprising a plurality of threshold apertures, each threshold aperture having an area of 0.01 to 1.0 in.² (6.5 to 650 mm²), and (b) an elongate outflow member which comprises an apertured sheet comprising a plurality of outflow apertures, each outflow aperture having an area of 0.01 to 1.0 in.² (6.5 to 650 mm²); and (2) does not contain, between the threshold and outflow members, filter material having apertures having an area of less than 0.01 in.² (6.5 mm²).
 26. A sediment control device (SCD) which comprises (a) an elongate threshold member which comprises an apertured sheet comprising a plurality of threshold apertures, each threshold aperture having an area of 0.01 to 1.0 in.² (6.5 to 650 mm²); (b) an elongate outflow member which comprises an apertured sheet comprising a plurality of outflow apertures, each outflow aperture having an area of 0.01 to 1.0 in.² (6.5 to 650 mm²); and (c) an elongate exterior filter which (i) comprises a plurality of relatively small filter apertures; and (ii) extends around at least part of the outside of the threshold member and/or extends around at least part of the outside of the outflow member.
 27. A method of stabilizing a land mass having an upper level and a lower level, the method comprising placing, on the lower level and adjacent to the upper level, an assembly comprising more than 10 sediment control devices. 